Synthetic Oil and Your Car's Engine
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The question regarding whether normal or synthetic oil is better for your vehicle’s engine is nearly as popular as the debate behind using premium gas. A lot of drivers feel compelled to use it. But, is it truly worth the higher cost? It’s a lot like motorists who buy premium gasoline without understanding why or if they need it – many people purchase synthetic blend oil with knowing little about it.
In this article, we’ll explore this issue in more detail. We’ll begin by looking at the manner in which these “premium” lubricants are made, and discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using them in your car.
How Conventional Lubricants Are Made
When crude is pumped from the ground, it is separated into different parts for a variety of uses, including tar for roofs and asphalt for roads and highways. A portion is set aside for refinement so that it can be used in gasoline and such. Most people consider the refinement process to which petroleum is exposed to be highly advanced. However, it’s not perfect. A number of contaminants – such as hydrocarbons – cannot be completely eliminated from the base material. They find their way into motor oil.
This might not seem important. But, over time, those contaminants can take a toll on your car’s engine. By contrast, synthetic blends have fewer contaminants and are therefore considered to be “easier” on your engine.
Advantages
The main advantage to using a synthetic lubricant in your vehicle is that it flows more easily. In normal driving conditions, the variance in viscosity won’t make much of a difference. It can prove to be valuable when it is cold outside. The oil will circulate more quickly due to flowing more easily than conventional lubricants.
Another advantage is that these blends do not need to be changed as often. This is due largely to the fact that they break down under intense heat and friction more gradually. While a conventional product might need to be changed at 5,000 miles, a synthetic oil can often endure 10,000 miles or more.
Disadvantage
The main drawback is price. These blends often cost nearly twice the price of conventional lubricants. However, it’s worth noting the cost difference is less severe since synthesized blends don’t need to be replaced as often.
One note of caution: because these special lubricants flow more easily, they’re not recommended for vehicles with a lot of mileage. Engines with a lot of miles on them need a less slippery product. Otherwise, excess friction between the parts can result. That said, if your owner’s manual recommends that you use a synthetic oil in your vehicle, follow that advice.
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